The debate therefore goes beyond the proposed hotel and mall. It raises a fundamental question for Kampala: should it preserve its remaining open spaces for public use, or convert them into commercial developments in the name of modernisation and investment?

According to a letter written to KCCA dated October 11, 2024, the Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Lillian Aber, warned KCCA and asked both the political and technical team to warn residents around the landfill to vacate immediately as there is a likelihood of another landfill collapse, which could be very catastrophic.